Waiting and Dating

What's "Waiting and Dating: A Sensible Guide to a Fulfilling Love Relationship" about?

• Purpose of the book: "Waiting and Dating" by Myles Munroe is a guide for singles on how to approach relationships with wisdom and patience, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation before marriage.
• Focus on principles: The book outlines principles for dating, engagement, and marriage, aiming to help individuals make informed and godly decisions in their relationships.
• Target audience: It is particularly aimed at single, unmarried individuals who desire fulfilling and successful relationships, as well as parents who wish to guide their children in making wise relationship choices.
• Biblical perspective: Munroe uses biblical teachings to provide a framework for understanding love, relationships, and marriage, encouraging readers to align their relationship practices with God's standards.

Why should I read "Waiting and Dating" by Myles Munroe?

• Guidance for singles: The book offers practical advice for singles on how to navigate the dating world with integrity and purpose.
• Biblical insights: It provides a biblical perspective on relationships, helping readers understand God's intentions for love and marriage.
• Avoiding common pitfalls: Munroe addresses common myths and misconceptions about dating and marriage, helping readers avoid mistakes that could lead to heartache.
• Preparation for marriage: The book emphasizes the importance of preparing for marriage during the dating and engagement phases, ensuring a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership.

What are the key takeaways of "Waiting and Dating"?

• Righteous dating: Munroe emphasizes the importance of dating in alignment with God's principles, focusing on spiritual, emotional, and intellectual compatibility before physical attraction.
• Engagement as preparation: Engagement is seen as a critical time for preparing for marriage, not just planning a wedding, but building a life together.
• Choice and commitment: The book dispels the myth that there is only one perfect person for everyone, highlighting the importance of choice and commitment in relationships.
• Spiritual foundation: A strong spiritual foundation is crucial for a successful marriage, with both partners sharing similar life goals and values.

What are the best quotes from "Waiting and Dating" and what do they mean?

• "You are ready to date when you don’t need to." This quote emphasizes the importance of being whole and content as an individual before seeking a relationship.
• "Don’t marry your lover, marry your friend." Munroe highlights the importance of friendship as the foundation of a successful marriage, rather than just romantic attraction.
• "Engagement is the beginning of marriage, the first stage in the marriage relationship." This underscores the seriousness of engagement as a time for deepening commitment and preparation for married life.
• "The key to finding the right mate is first to identify the qualities and character that we will hold as our standard without compromise." This quote advises readers to establish clear standards for a partner based on character and values, rather than superficial traits.

How does Myles Munroe define "righteous dating" in "Waiting and Dating"?

• Right alignment with God: Righteous dating involves aligning one's relationship practices with God's standards and principles.
• Focus on spiritual connection: It prioritizes spiritual and emotional compatibility over physical attraction, ensuring a strong foundation for the relationship.
• Avoiding worldly influences: Munroe advises against following societal norms that prioritize physical attraction and immediate gratification.
• Building friendships: The purpose of dating is to build friendships that help discern the right life partner, rather than rushing into physical intimacy.

What myths about mate-finding does Myles Munroe address in "Waiting and Dating"?

• Myth of one special person: Munroe dispels the idea that there is only one perfect person for everyone, emphasizing the role of choice and commitment.
• God choosing a mate: He challenges the belief that God chooses a specific person for each individual, advocating for personal responsibility in mate selection.
• Physical attraction as a priority: The book argues against prioritizing physical appearance over character and spiritual compatibility.
• Instant intimacy: Munroe warns against the expectation of instant intimacy, highlighting the importance of developing a deep friendship first.

What advice does Myles Munroe give for preparing for marriage in "Waiting and Dating"?

• Engagement as preparation: Engagement is a time for serious preparation, not just planning a wedding, but building a life together.
• Financial planning: Couples should discuss and plan their financial strategy before marriage to avoid future conflicts.
• Educational and career goals: It's important to align educational and career goals to ensure mutual support and understanding.
• Parenting philosophy: Discussing and agreeing on parenting styles and philosophies is crucial for future family harmony.

How does "Waiting and Dating" suggest handling sexual standards during engagement?

• Commitment to purity: Munroe emphasizes the importance of maintaining sexual purity during engagement, reserving physical intimacy for marriage.
• Understanding sexual desire: He explains that sexual arousal is a natural chemical reaction, not necessarily a sign of true love.
• Setting boundaries: Engaged couples should agree on clear boundaries to avoid slipping into inappropriate behavior.
• Value of virginity: The book highlights the value of entering marriage with a pure conscience, free from guilt and shame.

What role does spiritual foundation play in relationships according to "Waiting and Dating"?

• Central to success: A strong spiritual foundation is crucial for a successful marriage, providing a shared framework of values and beliefs.
• Spiritual harmony: Couples should be in spiritual agreement, attending the same church and participating in shared spiritual activities.
• Role of the man: The man is seen as the spiritual leader of the home, responsible for guiding the family in faith.
• Teaching children: Parents have a responsibility to teach their children spiritual values, ensuring they grow up with a strong moral compass.

How does Myles Munroe suggest couples should approach engagement in "Waiting and Dating"?

• Serious commitment: Engagement is the first stage of marriage, a time for deepening commitment and preparation.
• Practical planning: Couples should use this time to plan for their future together, addressing financial, educational, and parenting goals.
• Avoiding sexual temptation: Munroe advises couples to maintain sexual purity during engagement, focusing on building a strong emotional and spiritual connection.
• Building oneness: Engagement is a time to build oneness, ensuring both partners are aligned in their goals and values.

What are the principles of dating readiness according to "Waiting and Dating"?

• Awareness of benefits and dangers: Understanding both the positive and negative aspects of dating is crucial for readiness.
• God's standards for relationships: A clear understanding of God's standards and a commitment to follow them is essential.
• No compromise on standards: Munroe emphasizes the importance of not lowering or compromising standards for any reason.
• Contentment in singleness: Being content and whole as a single person is a sign of readiness to date.

How does "Waiting and Dating" address the concept of friendship in relationships?

• Foundation of marriage: True friendship is the strongest foundation for a successful marriage, more important than romantic attraction.
• Building character: Friendship helps build character and provides a basis for mutual support and growth.
• Levels of friendship: Munroe outlines different levels of friendship, from acquaintance to intimate friendship, each with its own responsibilities.
• Focus on the other person: True friendship focuses on the needs and growth of the other person, rather than self-interest.